From the Bride... Wes and I met and fell in love almost 10 years ago. When we got engaged, I knew there was no other place I would rather get married at than Morrells Boutique Estate in Johannesburg and it only took Wes one look to agree. We focused on making our day personal and true to us as a couple and opted for an intimate day with only our nearest and dearest. I loved that both our amazing moms had their moment of spotlight they so deserved as they walked down the aisle before the bridesmaids and were seated by the groomsmen.

We made sure to have a few minutes to share with our guests during cocktail hour before moving off for the pictures. This was so special to us as everyone had a chance to greet and congratulate us personally and we got to soak it all in, have a drink and enjoy the moment. During cocktail hour, we served his and hers choice canapés and cocktails and had French music in the background, which really helped to carry the romantic and cheerful mood through the day. Toward the end of our couple portraits, we drove up to a nearby hill, where we have had many dates throughout our relationship, for some sunset shots. To be able to reflect on everything that brought us to our wedding day at such a meaningful place was truly a special moment.

During our reception, we opted not to have a dance floor as neither of us are big dancers anyway and we wanted to create a cozy, intimate, and relaxed celebration. We served desserts and hot chocolate outside in the olive grove where we were surrounded by fairy lights and crackling fires, while listening to our amazing and talented musician friends perform some very special songs for us - one of which was an original song specially written about us! Our wedding day truly was everything we dreamed of and more.

From the Louise Vorster... Probably one of my favourite weddings to date: Wes and Ilse booked me for their special intimate wedding at Morrells Boutique Estate, and they couldn’t have chosen a better venue. With Ilse’s incredible style, this venue met all of their requirements to have a unique wedding with friends and family. They had the best in the industry contribute to this day, from custom made jewelry to flawless makeup. I had such a great time shooting with Orpen Films and to top everything, we even snuck away for sunset photos on Northcliff hill.

From Jacelyn of White Lilly Bridal... Where to start with this gorgeous bride and her dress! I feel so incredibly lucky to have created this gown for such a beautiful and kind woman with such confidence and an innate sense of style. With her bright smile and the twinkle in her eyes, I knew from our very first meeting that I had to create a dress so special, to capture her confidence in a modern yet romantic way and reflect her personality and style! It had to be something soft with a light, bohemian feel to it. The colour was key as Ilse wanted a very specific nude tone, which we developed and dyed specifically for her. The dress was made up of the most luxurious pure silk georgette and a very soft, delicate French lace bodice with sleeves. Simplicity, when coupled with the most beautiful fabrics, is never plain, but rather a mesmerising beauty, leaving an impression that can’t be forgotten.